Ventilator | Typical settings | Applications |
Rate/min | Pressures, cm H2O |
Positive pressure | 12-22 | 10 to 20 inspiratory; >4 expiratory to a volume of 12 to 15 mL/kg | Mode of first choice. Nasal route preferred, oronasal or mouthpiece if nasal unsuccessful. |
Negative pressure | | | Rarely applied as a last resort |
Iron lung | 12-14 | –12 to –25 | |
Wrap | 14-18 | –20 to –40 | |
Shell or cuirass | 14-18 | –20 to –40 | |
Abdominal ventilator | | | Rarely applied as a last resort |
Pneumobelt | 16-22 | 35 to 50 | Diaphragm paralysis mainly for daytime use |
Rocking bed | 12-16 | | Diaphragm paralysis for nocturnal use |
Diaphragm pacing | 12-14 | | Intact phrenic nerve and diaphragm muscle; high cord lesion and central hypoventilation |
Expiratory aids (eg, glossopharyngeal breathing, manually-assisted coughing, cough insufflator-exsufflator) | | | To augment peak cough flows in patients with weakened expiratory muscles |